On 27 January, 28 EU leaders, including heads of state and foreign ministers, issued a joint statement in response to the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in Eastern Ukraine.

The European leaders criticised Moscow for its ‘continued and growing’ support that it has extended to the Ukrainian rebels, which in the unanimous opinion of the leaders underlines Russia’s responsibility in the conflict. According to the Wall Street Journal and the Greek Reporter the joint statement highlights the fact that Russia shares responsibility for the recent surge in violence.

Reuters reports that despite the allegations, Russia denies sending in troops to support separatist rebels.